Information on Alcohol/Drugs

“I’m an American citizen and no foreign government can put me in their jail.”WRONG!

We want your study abroad experience to be fun and safe, so we encourage you to make responsible decisions when it comes to drugs and alcohol. Below is some important information for you and some suggestions on how to make the most of your experience.

Laws

Loyola alcohol and drug policy for students can be applied to students who are on campus and who are studying abroad. Similarly, you are expected to abide by laws of the U.S. and of your host country. Even though the legal drinking age may be 18 in the country you are visiting, availability and public consumption of alcohol, along with other drinking laws, may vary depending on the country you are visiting. It’s important to also be aware that many countries have laws regarding alcohol and other drug use that are more severe than laws in the U.S. For example, in Spain, those caught with illegal drugs such as marijuana can be sentenced up to 12 years in prison. So we recommend you to be knowledgeable of the country’s laws and regulations in regards to alcohol and drug use. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of State’s Travel and Living Abroad website. Please remember while you are studying abroad, you are not only representing Loyola, but also the state of Maryland, and the U.S.

If you choose to drink alcohol while you are overseas, please drink responsibly.

Tips on How to Drink Responsibly

Eat before and while you drink

Keep track of how much you are drinking; know how much alcohol is poured into every glass, and be aware of the alcohol percentage in your drink (in some countries, drinks have a higher alcohol content and may be served in larger portions)

What should you do if you, or someone you know, might have a problem?

If you are concerned about your use or someone else's use, please feel free to email the ADESS office at jwilliams@loyola.edu to access confidential help. To receive immediate assistance while you are studying abroad, we recommend you to contact your program coordinator on campus or your resident irector overseas to find the available resources you may need.

Get Involved

Apply

Before applying, all students must attend an information session. The application deadline for all Loyola programs, exchanges, affiliations, and non-Loyola programs (fall or spring) is December 3, 2014 (Wednesday after Thanksgiving).